The Update Message from the International Association of Machinists representing Continental, ExpressJet and Continental Micronesia
Flight Attendants in the 2339 Local Lodges

Friday, November 10, 2006

Working Families Win Big – Americans showed up to vote November 7 and transformed America’s political landscape in favor of working families. Democrats picked up at least 29 seats in the House to win back control for the first time since 1994. Senate control was also realized after a close victory in Virginia. Democrats picked up six governorships including Colorado, Arkansas, Ohio, New York, Massachusetts and Maryland, giving them a total of 28 and a majority of governorships for the first time in twelve years. Democrats also made major gains in state legislative races. “Working families won across-the-board on November 7 and union members were a big part of the results,” said IAM President Tom Buffenbarger. “This is a great victory. It would not have happened without the hard work of IAM members who spent many hours manning phone banks, talking face-to-face with fellow members and visiting union households to make sure union voters understood the issues and got out to vote. “Now we must make sure the people we put in office take action on the issues working families care about and voted for: Good jobs, quality education for their kids and a fair shake on insurance and utility bills,” said Buffenbarger. “The voters did their part, now it’s time for the legislators they elected to do theirs.” Democrats in Congress promised swift action on working family issues such as tax cuts for the middle class, raising the minimum wage, fixing the Prescription Drug program, energy independence and making the country safer.
 

Discussions continue between ExpressJet management and IAM District 142 representatives regarding implementation issues and negotiations for possible new flight services. We will advise you of any new developments as they occur. Thank you for your continued solidarity and support.

Continental Flight Attendants Receive Pension Information – Flight Attendants in , Cleveland and Houston can receive personal information about the IAM National Pension Plan. The brief presentation provides a snapshot of your personal benefits the plan offers and how it compares to the CARP plan. IAM Local Lodge Base Representatives and District Chairpersons will be available to answer any questions you may have regarding the pension plan. Remember, when it comes to your current pension plan, you have a lot you can lose…Learn what you have to gain by transitioning to the IAM National Pension Plan.
 

Delta Reports Third-Quarter Profits, Recalling 1,000 Flight Attendants – Delta Airlines reported a third-quarter profit of $52 million, its first net profit since filing for bankruptcy protection in September 2005. Executives also reiterated the airline plans to emerge from bankruptcy as a stand-alone carrier. The airline also announced it will recall 1,000 flight attendants starting in January. The company, which recalled more than 250 attendants in September, says it needs the workers to support its international expansion plan.
 

Democrats Expected To Set New Priorities For Transportation – Democratic congressional leaders are expected to oppose White House plans to consolidate air traffic control facilities and allow more foreign control of airlines. They may also boost the number of TSA airport screeners, increase cargo inspection on passenger airlines and hold more FAA oversight hearings.

Continental Flight Attendants Receive Pension Information – Flight Attendants in , Cleveland and Houston can view a power-point presentation in their crew rooms to learn more about the IAM National Pension Plan.  The brief presentation provides information on understanding the benefits the plan offers and how to explain the value of the pension plan to fellow union members.  IAM Local Lodge Base Representatives and District Chairpersons will be available to answer any questions you may have regarding the pension plan.  Remember, when it comes to your current pension plan, you have a lot you can lose…Learn what you have to gain by transitioning to the IAM National Pension Plan.

Continental Stock Takes Off On Solid Route Structure – Shares of Continental Airlines have climbed 70% since the start of the year. Analysts credit much of the success to Continental's distribution of its capacity equally between domestic and international routes. The airline surpassed analysts' earnings estimates in the second and third quarters.
 

ExpressJet Reports Smaller Profit – ExpressJet on Wednesday said profits slipped to $22.7 million from $25.5 million a year ago. The airline attributes the drop to higher costs.

We would like to encourage all members to attend your Local Lodge business meeting. Each base must have a quorum to conduct business. The following is a schedule for upcoming meetings: